Armstrong racing at Milano-Sanremo
(Photo: Roberto Bettini)
Astana team manager Johan Bruyneel reports on his Twitter account at
Clinico Universitario in Valladolid, Spain, writing “Crash update on
Lance Armstrong from Castilla y Leon: Clean (right) collarbone fracture
without complications. Should be fast recovery. More to come.”
Armstrong described his crash post-race, saying "Toward the end of the
race people started getting excited, a bit of
wind, some hills and everybody wanting to be at the front," he said. "A
couple of guys crashed in front of me, I crossed my wheel, then I hit
them and over the top."
As he exited the hospital, Armstrong told The Associated Press that he
was headed to the United States to meet with doctors who will decide if
he needs surgery. Armstrong has several months to recover before the
Tour De France begins on July 4, while the Giro d’Italia begins on May
9. “I think for the Tour it’s a very big problem,” he told reporters
and added: “I’ve never had this happen before; it’s pretty painful. I
feel really miserable.”
“Lance suffered a fracture of the middle third of the right collarbone
as well as some bruises on his right hip and arm,” said Astana team
doctor Pedro Celaya, who was with Armstrong at the hospital. Armstrong
also said “I feel very disappointed," he told reporters as he left the
hospital. "I have to relax a few days."
In a statement issued late Monday, Armstrong said he would return to
the States to decide on surgery options and his racing calendar. “In 17
years as a pro I have been lucky to avoid one of the most common
cycling injuries. The crash has put my upcoming calendar in jeopardy
but the most important thing for me right now is to get back home and
rest up and begin my rehab,” explained Armstrong.
After the stage, 2008 Castillia y Leon winner and Armstrong's Astana teammate Alberto Contador said, "It’s a pity to lose Lance, because we see that he wanted to have a
good preparation in this race. It was a good opportunity for us to work
together so now I can only wish him to recover as soon as possible for
the Giro d’Italia.”
At 10pm CET, Armstrong reported on his Twitter account "'I'm alive!
Broken clavicle (right). Hurts like hell for now. Surgery in a couple
of days. Thanks for all the well wishes."
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